Voluntarios para Proyecto con Lechuzas - Argentina

Se necesitan voluntarios para trabajar con Lechuzas de las Vizcacheras (Athene cunicularia).
Periodo: Octubre, Noviembre, Diciembre y Enero. 

Periodo mínimo: 15 días.
Lugar: Bahía Blanca (Buenos Aires, Argentina).
El proyecto se denomina " MECANISMOS DE INVASION Y ADAPTACIÓN, COSTOS Y BENEFICIOS DE UN PROCESO CONTEMPORÁNEO DE URBANIZACIÓN EN AVES ". 

Las tareas a realizar incluyen identificación y búsqueda de nidos de individuos de Lechuzas de las Vizcacheras, capturas mediante trampas, anillado, toma de muestras de sangre y medidas morfométricas.

El trabajo se llevará a cabo en los alrededores de la Ciudad de Bahía Blanca, Provincia de Buenos Aires. 
Se requiere licencia de conducir y buena predisposición para el trabajo en campo ya que las jornadas de trabajo son intensas (comenzando a las 5.00 am). 
Se ofrece alojamiento.
Los interesados deben enviar curriculum a Natalia a la siguiente dirección de correo electrónico: naminke@yahoo.com.ar o nrebolo@ege.fcen.uba.ar.

Volunteer research assistant - Ecology and social behavior of howling monkeys in Palenque, Mexico

Hiring Organization: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM)


Position Description:
We are looking for volunteers to assist in projects studying the social system and ecology of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) at Palenque National Park, Mexico. The project investigates the social and genetic factors mediating individual participation in naturally occurring howling bouts and group defense in black howler monkeys (by Dr. S. Van Belle). Assistants will work in a team together with Dr. Van Belle while observing study groups. Observations days runs start at sunrise to sunset during which multiple types of data such as activity and proximity scan samples are collected, in addition to GPS recording of ranging patterns. Resting days will be scheduled regularly as part of the field work.

Qualifications/Experience:
The qualifications we are looking for in a research assistant are:
-Be physically fit, and capable of undertaking fieldwork in hot/humid conditions.
-Be capable of team work and not have issues with authority figures.
-Have a background in biology/anthropology/zoology/psychology or a related field.
-Be interested in primate behavior, ecology, and conservation.
-Be hardworking, disciplined in following field procedures and be reliable.
-Some knowledge of animal behavior and data collection preferred but not required.
-Enjoy being outdoors and experiencing the tropical rainforest.
-Enjoy being in the culture of southeast Mexico

Salary/funding:
No salary will be provided.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):

Assistants will be responsible for airfare/transportation to and from Palenque and for food costs. Lodging will be provided by the field project in a comfortable fully equipped house (electricity, hot water, high speed internet, bunk beds, two bathrooms with showers, a large living room kitchen area) about 2 km from Palenque National Park. The town of Palenque is only 2 km away where banking, telephone services, hospitals, supermarkets, drugstores and others are available.

Term of Appointment: 4 - 6 months or more starting Sep/Oct 2012 to Dec 2012/Feb 2013.

Application Deadline: None

Comments:
To apply, please email a recent copy of your CV and describe your research interests and experience, and your availability for this position.

Note on contingencies: Volunteers should be covered by medical insurance when traveling to Mexico. They will need to sign a releasing liability form upon joining the research team in Palenque.

Contact Information:

Dr. Alejandro Estrada
Field Research Station Los Tuxtlas-UNAM
Mexico
aestrada@primatesmx.com
 
 or

Dr. Sarie Van Belle
Dept. of Anthropology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
USA
sarievanbelle@primatesmx.com

Website:
http://www.primatesmx.com/

Contact Information:
Sarie Van Belle, none
Mexico

Website:
http://www.primatesmx.com/

E-mail Address:
sarievanbelle@primatesmx.com

Oportunidad Pasantía y Tesis de pregrado - INVEMAR

El INVEMAR requiere un (1) estudiante de pregrado de Biología, Biología Marina, Ecología o carreras afines con conocimientos básicos en comunidades zooplanctónicas marinas, con el fin de desarrollar su trabajo de grado en “Caracterización de la comunidad zooplanctónica asociada a los bloques de exploración en el área sur-occidental de Isla Fuerte y la Alta Guajira en el marco del proyecto Toxicidad de fluidos de exploración de hidrocarburos offshore en organismos nativos del Caribe colombiano - ecosistemas profundos y sus recursos pesqueros en el los área sur-occidental de Isla Fuerte y la Alta Guajira, Caribe colombiano, desarrollado por el programa Biodiversidad y Ecosistemas Marinos (BEM).

Las propuestas serán recibidas entre del día 03 de agosto de 2012 hasta el día 24 de agosto de 2012 a las 5:00 p.m. 

Los interesados deberán enviar sus documentos en sobre cerrado dirigido a la Coordinación Académica de INVEMAR, Cerro Punta Betín, entrada por el Terminal Marítimo de Santa Marta.  

Mayor información: http://www.invemar.org.co/redcostera1/invemar/docs/10046Convocatoria_CAI_0017_2012.pdf


Primate Research Assistent - Malawi

Hiring Organization: Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

Position Description: The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is a wildlife rescue, conservation and education centre. Our main goal is to help the wildlife, as well of the people of Malawi. As a rescue centre we try to help all kinds of orphaned and injured wild animals which are native to Malawi. Wherever suitable we aim to release those animals back into the wild again. When not releasable, we provide life time care for the animals. As a conservation centre we also work together with local communities through our education and community outreach projects. This makes us the first People and Wildlife (PAW) accredited organization in the world. For more information about the centre and our activities please visit our web-site: www.lilongwewildlife.org

For our primate release program we are looking on a very short term for a research assistant which can help to collect pre-release behavioural data on our release group of about 30 Yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus). The group is currently housed in a big, especially for the release built, pre-release enclosure which is situated at the LLWC. Behavioural data are gathered on topics like foraging behaviour, group cohesion and predator avoidance. Also data are gathered on indicators which tell us more about the welfare status of the group pre- and post-release. Whenever necessary training is provided to make sure animals will avoid predators which the can encounter in the wild. The whole release is carried out as close as possible to IUCN guidelines for the re-introduction of non-human primates.

The group will be release back into the wild at the end of November and till that time we are looking for somebody who can help us collect behavioural data on a daily basis.


Qualifications/Experience

* You have at least a BSC degree, biology/ zoology or any related study
* You are patient, and have a very good eye for detail
* You have some experience with behavioral research, preferably on primates
* You have good knowledge of the English language, spoken and written
* You have the concentration, motivation and commitment to observe primates for extended periods, even when it is very warm or rains
* You are mentally and physically fit to work long days, six days a week
* You are emotionally mature and feel comfortable to stay away from family and friends for an extended time
* You have the ability to raise funds to contribute to our release project.

Salary/funding:
You will not receive any salary, but we do provide basic housing for free (tent for furniture) and a food allowance.

This project offers a great opportunity for students to gather more experience in collecting behavioural primate data within a unique primate release program.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Basic accomodation and food

Term of Appointment:
3 months

Application Deadline:
ASAP

Contact Information:
Jasper Iepema
Kenyata drive
Lilongwe, none none
Malawi

Telephone Number:
++26 (0)211951455


E-mail Address:
animalcare@LLWC.org

Primate Rehabilitation - Conservation Internships in Panama

Hiring Organization: Alouatta Sanctuary & Eco-Lodge

Position Description: Alouatta Sanctuary near David, Panama provides a limited number of internship opportunities for those seeking first-hand experience in the fields of primate rehabilitation, tropical forest conservation, and environmental education. Alouatta Sanctuary is the only wildlife rehabilitation site in Panama currently specializing in the rehabilitation of primates, with an emphasis on mantled howler monkeys. As such, it serves an important role in conserving animals critical to tropical forest ecosystems, and educating the public about primate biology and rainforest conservation. Successful applicants will participate in primate rehabilitation efforts, contribute to educational programs, assist with ongoing research projects, and support the day-to-day functioning of the facility. Training is available in the fields of wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education, primate behavior and ecology, tropical forest biology, field sampling procedures, and data processing techniques (including GIS). Depending on individual contributions, interns may also have the opportunity to co-author peer-reviewed publications.

Interns are accepted on a rolling basis and must make at least a 1-month commitment (40 hours/week), with longer stays preferred. University students seeking shorter 3-week internships during holiday breaks may be considered on a case by case basis.

We are currently looking for interns with flexible start dates between Oct 2012-Jan 2013. Interns will participate on the following projects:

Wildlife Rehabilitation: Alouatta Sanctuary specializes in the rehabilitation of mantled howler monkeys. However, we also accept other mammals and birds in need of aid. Interns assist in the daily care of rehabilitated animals and monitor newly released individuals, documenting feeding preferences and interactions with free-ranging howler monkey groups.

Primate Cognitive Studies: Mantled howler monkeys do not thrive in captivity. There are extremely few in zoological institutions in the Americas, Europe, or Australia, and as a result, few opportunities to study howler monkey cognitive abilities. At Alouatta Sanctuary, interns help to conduct a series of cognitive experiments in the form of foraging challenges that address howler monkey knowledge of the physical world. These experiments provide important enrichment opportunities for the primates we rehabilitate and yield new information for the scientific community as to primate cognitive abilities.

Tropical Forest Conservation : Alouatta Sanctuary has been strategically reforested to form part of a corridor between two intact primary forests. As a result, the property functions as critical wildlife habitat for a variety of species (mantled howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, night monkeys, ocelots, peccaries, coatis, and many others). Interns are needed to conduct wildlife censuses using line transects and remote camera traps, as well as to conduct behavioral observations of primate habitat-use. Opportunities may also be available to assist in further reforestation efforts and local community conservation programs.

Environmental Education: Education forms a critical component of our conservation efforts. Interns give lectures on mantled howler monkey behavior and conservation, lead short nature walks, and contribute to the development of educational materials. The opportunity to assist our environmental education specialist in presentations at local primary and secondary schools may also be available.

Qualifications/Experience:  All applicants must be at least 18 years old, be physically fit, have excellent communication skills and the ability to work with people of all ages and from different cultures. Applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test (Mantoux or x-ray) and Hepatitis (A & B) vaccinations, and must purchase current international health insurance while in Panama. Experience traveling to the tropics or living in remote conditions is a plus, as is coursework or work experience in primate ecology or environmental education.

To apply, please send a short letter of interest, CV, and names/contact information for 3 references to internships@alouattasanctuary.org. Be specific as to which projects you are interested in, the start/end dates you would prefer, and your experience (if any) with wildlife, environmental science, or education.

Salary/funding: Interns will be provided with housing at Alouatta Sanctuary, but are unpaid and will be responsible for providing their own airfare to David as well as $750/mo in fees to cover training and food. Accommodations are very comfortable (hot water, electricity, internet). We are located roughly ½ hour from David, Panama, a modern city with all the amenities (an international airport, hospitals, supermarkets, hardware stores, movie theatres, etc). The sanctuary’s location also provides an excellent base to explore the best nature Panama has to offer (cloud forests, beaches, marine parks) during time off.

Term of Appointment:
one month minimum

Application Deadline:
ongoing

Contact Information:
Alouatta Sanctuary
Panama


Programa de Voluntariado, Pasantías y Tesistas - FUNDAR GALÁPAGOS, Ecuador.

El Programa de voluntariado y pasantías de FUNDAR Galápagos permite a estudiantes de los últimos años universitarios y profesionales, tener una experiencia de trabajo muy motivante en un sitio de gran importancia biológica, seguro, de belleza natural incomparable, en proyectos que buscan compatibilizar el desarrollo sustentable de las personas con la conservación de las islas Galápagos. Las islas Galápagos representan no sólo un laboratorio de la evolución viviente, sino un laboratorio social.

Los participantes del programa tendrán la oportunidad de involucrarse en los proyectos de desarrollo sustentable, trabajar en agricultura orgánica, recuperación ecológica, forestería, extensión rural (Reserva Pájaro Brujo), y participación ciudadania. El programa también permite a participantes extranjeros practicar el idioma español. Esos son solamente unos ejemplos de el trabajo que se puede realizar en FUNDAR. El voluntario puede proponer sus propios ideas y proyectos también.

Tomado de: www.fundargalapagos.org

Enlace con Info detallada:  http://www.fundargalapagos.org/portalj/index.php/voluntarios-y-pasantes-mainmenu-28/voluntarios-y-pasantes-mainmenu-28.html







Paid Zookeeper Internship - Lansing, Michigan, USA.

Organization: Potter Park Zoo (AZA Member)

Location: Lansing, Michigan, USA.

The Potter Park Zoo, located in Lansing, Michigan, is accepting applications for a 9 month, paid zookeeper internship program to start the first week of October 2012. This internship will provide practical experience for those interested in the zoo keeping field. 

Interns will work alongside the zookeepers in many aspects of their profession including exhibit maintenance and upkeep, diet preparation, enrichment, assisting with veterinary procedures, record keeping and public presentations. The intern will work throughout the zoo including domestic and exhibit animals. Applicants must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and be able to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects. 

Applicants must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions. The work schedule will include holidays and weekends. Preference will be given to applicants who have already graduated from a college or university. 

Please apply by filling out the online employment form, and submitting a resume and cover letter by August 3, 2012. 

The application can be submitted online at www.inghamcountyparks.org under the employment tab. Instructions for mailing the application and submitting your letter of intent and resume are also online. 

For more information about Potter Park Zoo, please go to our website www.potterparkzoo.org. Please do not send materials to Potter Park Zoo.

Internship - Natural Encounters Inc., Dallas, Texas, USA.

Organization: Natural Encounters, Inc. (AZA Member)

Location: Dallas, Texas, Country
Natural Encounters Inc. has intern positions available from September 13th,
2012 to October 25th, 2012. 

We are looking for a few hard working, motivated and positive individuals to assist with The Birds of the World Show at the State Fair of Texas. This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of show set-up, production, and get hands-on experience with a wide variety of birds. 

For more information, or to submit a letter of interest please contact m.zeno@naturalencounters.com

Short volunteer and Long term volunteer (field assistant)

Hiring Organization:
HELP: Habitat Ecologique et Liberté des Primates H.E.L.P

Position Description:
We are looking for volunteers to work in our ongoing project of release of chimpanzees, in the Conkouati Douli National Park, a long-term field site in in the Republic of Congo.

The volunteer will have the opportunity to work in an amazing area. The activities are:
- chimpanzees feeding
- preparation of meals for chimpanzees
- help to the veterinarian
- construction of infrastructure
- maintenance of infrastructure
- weekly report for our website
- data collection on chimpanzees
- work in our reforestation project
- participating in the release program...

The volunteer position is for 3 months minimum.
For a position of three months, you will be affiliated to the Sanctuary, to feed the chimpanzees and work in the plantation mainly.
For a position of more than three months (long term volunteer), you will be a field assistant affiliated to the Triangle Station, to assist with data collection for a project on behaviour in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

These affiliations can differ depending on the personnel available.
Going in the Triangle, in the middle of the jungle implies more preparation for the field, and a training that can not be provided for people staying only three months, except again, if help is needed in the Triangle station.

The volunteer will be trained before going in the field is possible, will learn to identify individual chimpanzees in a released community of chimpanzees. The assistant will work alongside an existing team of personnel, recording detailed behavioural observations.

This field work includes long-distance walking through very difficult terrain, long days work, sometimes from dawn to dusk, in all weather conditions.
This position will provide the successful applicant with an excellent opportunity to gain extended fieldwork experience with detailed behavioural research.

Qualifications/Experience:
- Preferred: Degree in primatology, zoology, biology...
- High motivation to work in all conditions
- Experience in Africa, animal behavioural research experience, primatology
- Knowledge of French
- Field experience, preferably in a tropical climate
- Above average physical fitness and tolerance of demanding physical conditions and resistance to social and psychological stress
- Ability to live in a very remote and basic camp, far from the family
- Ability to work with an international and local team
- Strong social skills and patience
- High degree of self-motivation and responsibility
- Respect for and willingness to adapt to local customs
- Respect for the project you will work for
- If possible, practical and technical skills required for orientation and navigation in the forest (GPS, compass)

Salary/funding:
There is no salary.
Fees: the applicant has to pay 450 euros per month plus the visa, the flight.
However, once you are in the field site, food and house are offered.
For applications of more than 6 months, 'free stays' is offered after the 6 first months paid. Then you will be able to stay for free and your food and accommodation will be covered

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Food: local foods, rice, beans, bread, tomatoes cans…

Flight, visa, personal expenses are not covered by the project.

Term of Appointment:
As soon as possible

Application Deadline:
Volunteers are needed all the time

Contact Information:
Amandine Renaud
37 rue Burdeau
Lyon, none 69001
France

Telephone Number:
0033 4 26 18 44 55


E-mail Address:
amandernd@gmail.com

Veterinarian - Habitat Ecologique et Liberté des Primates H.E.L.P

Hiring Organization:
Habitat Ecologique et Liberté des Primates H.E.L.P

Position Description:
The candidate will have the opportunity to work with released chimpanzees, on an ongoing project in the Conkouati Douli National Park, a long-term field site in the Republic of Congo.

The veterinarian will be affiliated to the Triangle, the release site. However, the applicant might have to go in the other sites of HELP, depending on the needs.

In addition to the regular vet tasks, the veterinarian will also be in charge of the camp, so there are other activities to do:
- preparation of meals for chimpanzees
- construction, maintenance of infrastructure
- weekly report for our website
- monthly report
- data collection on chimpanzees
- participating in the release program…

The candidate will: (1) be trained before going in the field is possible; (2) will learn to identify individual chimpanzees in a released community of chimpanzees; (3) will work alongside an existing team of personnel, (4)record detailed behavioural observations.
This field work includes long-distance walking through very difficult terrain, long days work, sometimes from dawn to dusk, in all weather conditions.

This position will provide the successful applicant with an excellent opportunity to gain extended fieldwork experience with detailed behavioural research or to become the official veterinarian of the project.

Qualifications/Experience:
- Official degree (a copy will be asked)
- Experience in Africa, animal behavioural research experience, primatology
- Knowledge of French
- Field experience, preferably in a tropical climate;
- Above average physical fitness and tolerance of demanding physical conditions and resistance to social and psychological stress;
- Ability to live in a very remote and basic camp, far from the family
- Ability to work with an international and local team;
- Strong social skills and patience;
- High degree of self-motivation and responsibility;
- Respect for and willingness to adapt to local customs;
- Respect for the project you will work for.
- If possible, practical and technical skills required for orientation and navigation in the forest (GPS, compass)

Salary/funding:
The veterinarian will receive a salary of 700 euros per month, plus the food and accommodation given, after the three first months paid by the applicant to HELP.
Three first months: 450 Euros per month.

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Food and lodging are offered once the candidate is in the field.

Visa, flight might be covered by the project, depending on the funds available.

Medicine and personal expenses are not covered by the project.

Meals: basic food: local products, rice, beans, bread, tomatoes cans…

Term of Appointment:
As soon as possible

Application Deadline:
Until the position is filled

Contact Information:
Amandine Renaud
37 rue Burdeau
Lyon, none 69001
France


Telephone Number:
0033 4 26 18 44 55


E-mail Address:
amandernd@gmail.com

Field Assistant - New Mexico

Agency: Arizona State University
Location: Soccoro, New Mexico
Salary: $11.67 - $14.95 per hour, depending on experience
Start Date: 08/01/2012
Last Date to Apply: 07/27/2012
Description: We are seeking a highly motivated field assistant to participate in a study of behavioral thermoregulation by mountain spiny lizards (Sceloporus jarrovi). This study will be based at Sevilleta Field Station in New Mexico. Applicants must be in good physical condition, because field work requires a daily hike and long hours in a hot, dry environment. Some physical labor will be involved in setting up, maintaining, and taking down the study site.
Duties include taking care of lizards in the laboratory (feeding, cleaning cages and monitoring health), collecting behavioral data and blood samples from lizards in outdoor and indoor arenas, and maintaining the study site (e.g., removing vegetation from and repairing enclosures). Hours will vary depending on scheduled tasks each day (maximum of 10 h per day and 40 h per week).
Housing will be provided at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. The applicant may have to share a bedroom with another researcher of the same sex. The site is located 35 miles north of Soccoro, New Mexico, and 60 miles south of Albuquerque. The house contains a washing machine, two full bathrooms, and a kitchen with stove, microwave, garbage disposal and a refrigerator. Free internet access is available. A vehicle will be available for transportation to town to purchase food and supplies.
Qualifications: The successful applicant will have an undergraduate degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Applicants will be required to handle lizards. Previous experience working in the field or handling reptiles is not required. Applicants must be able to hike through steep terrain while carrying equipment on a daily basis.  
For more information about the project, contact Travis Rusch (trusch@asu.edu) and visit the laboratory website (www.thermaladaptation.com).  
Applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three references to Travis Rusch (trusch@asu.edu).
Contact Person: Travis W. Rusch
Contact eMail: trusch@asu.

Biodiveristy Restoration Internship - New Mexico


Agency: New Mexico State University
Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Salary: $2,000 per month plus housing support
Start Date: 08/13/2012
Description: Intern will work as part of a research team investigating how animal biodiversity is responding to large-scale restoration efforts in the Chihuahuan Desert aimed at restoring grassland habitat for wildlife (“Restore New Mexico” project). Intern will develop a semi-independent research project related to how mesocarnivores and lagomorphs are responding to efforts to control invasive shrubs. The research will include use of camera-traps to determine site occupancy of medium-size mammals on treatment-reference pairs. The position is funded by the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at NSF in association with the Jornada LTER site. The intern will be employed by New Mexico State University. This is a great opportunity for a motivated student to gain valuable research experience in the Land of Enchantment. 
  • Application procedures: (1) Cover letter, (2) Resume, and (3) Names and contact information for two professional references should be sent via email to Dr. Robert Schooley at the University of Illinois (schooley@illinois.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately. 

  • Qualifications:  Because of the timing (fieldwork into fall), we are recruiting spring 2012 graduates from B.S./B.A. programs in the biological sciences or natural resources management. Genuine interest in applied ecology and biodiversity restoration required. Previous research experience in field ecology helpful. Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.

  • Contact Person: Dr. Robert L. Schooley
    Contact Phone: Skype 217-244-2729
    Contact eMail: schooley@illinois.edu

    Behavioral Ecology Field Assistant - Puerto Rico


    Agency: University of California, Los Angeles
    Location: Puerto Rico
    website: http://kennychapin.com/pdfs/announcement.pdf
    Salary: Volunteer, housing and on-site transportation
    Start Date:  08/01/2012
    Last Date to Apply: 08/01/2012
     Description:  We are seeking volunteers to assist in field research on whip spiders (Arachnida: Amblypygi) in rainforests and caves. The exploratory project integrates behavior, ecology, and genetics to answer questions regarding the evolution of group-living. The field expedition will take place at a semi-remote field station in Puerto Rico during the month of August 2012. In addition to gaining experience and training, field station housing and a shared vehicle will be provided. 
    Duties: Volunteers will assist in mark-recapture surveys, collection and preservation of whole specimens and tissue samples, in situ and ex situ behavioral observations, and data collection and entry. Field sites include subtropical moist forest and karst caves. 
    Required qualifications: Successful applicants should be students or recent graduates fluent in English with high attention to detail, good organization skills, a willingness to learn, and a good sense of humor. Top applicants will have some experience with field research, data collection, and scientific methodology. Training will be provided for the specific skills required for this position. Past experience or technical skills in caving are not required. Lastly, successful applicants should be enthused by the challenging field conditions explained below. 
    Field conditions: Applicants should be comfortable performing physically demanding work under adverse conditions, often late at night, and with limited or no supervision. Assistants should be comfortable with tight spaces, high humidity/heat/rain, “creepy crawlies”, dissection, and navigating forests at night. Applicants should expect to work late at night for parts of the project, as the study organism is nocturnal. Other preferred qualifications: Fluency in Spanish; previous experience in field studies relating to arachnology, entomology, behavioral ecology, genetics, geographic information systems, geology, or tropical ecology; experience in the outdoors, including wilderness survival training, first responder training, and the ability to navigate with a map and compass; experience with GPS and other surveying equipment, photography and video, specimen preservation and labeling, invertebrate dissection, and working with arachnids or nocturnal animals. 
    How to apply: Please send a cover letter, CV/resume, and up to three references or letters of recommendation to Kenny Chapin via email (chapinkj@gmail.com) along with any questions you may have. The subject heading of the e-mail should read “Behavioral Ecology Field Assistant”. The cover letter should express your (1) interest in this type of research, (2) long term goals relative to this position, and (3) credentials and qualifications that make you the best applicant. There is no official application deadline, but applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP to ensure their application gets reviewed. Contact: Kenneth J. Chapin Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology University of California, Los Angeles www.kennychapin.com chapinkj@gmail.com
    Contact Person: Kenneth J. Chapin
    Contact eMail: chapinkj@gmail.com

    Volunteer Research Assistant for Azafady Conservation Programme - United Kingdom

    Hiring Organization:
    Azafady


    Position Description:
    Location of Post: Based in Sainte Luce 40km north of Fort Dauphin and working throughout bordering communes in Anosy Region

    Supervisor: Head of Research and Project Co-ordinator

    Background of the Post in the Azafady Conservation Programme

    The Azafady Conservation Programme (ACP) accepts international volunteers to help conduct research on the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar’s last remaining fragments of littoral forest. Our monitoring programme focuses on the endemic/endangered herpetofauna and lemur populations of Sainte Luce. Current projects include compiling information on species density and distribution and behavioural studies to build up a comprehensive understanding of their life histories and ecology. A botanical monitoring programme is also being carried out to collate species inventories for each forest fragment, with a particular emphasis on endangered palm species and how the local community use them. The ACP also implements community conservation initiatives such as environmental education in the village school, conservation through English lessons, fuel-efficient stove building and World Environment Day festivities, as well as supporting the Environment Department’s reforestation projects.

    ONG Azafady is recruiting a motivated and dynamic individual to work as part of our expanding research team. The successful applicant will help conduct field research on the flora and fauna of Sainte Luce’s littoral forests. The individual will be expected to manage research projects by training volunteers in research methodologies, ensuring accurate collation of scientific data and assisting in the day-to-day management of the programme. An important aspect of this role will be to achieve a balance between collecting valuable scientific data and ensuring volunteers are happy and satisfied with the programme wherever possible. The applicant will also work with the research team to assist in writing and publishing scientific papers.


    Duties and responsibilities

    The research assistant will work in collaboration with Azafady Malagasy staff in the following activities;

    • Assist in the development and implementation of the research programme for the littoral forest fragments in Sainte Luce
    • Organise the logistics of the research projects including equipment and resource management
    • Monitor data collection in the field
    • Ensure the project targets are met
    • Supervise volunteers during their time in the field
    • Assist in training volunteers in field research techniques
    • Ensure good communication and team relations between volunteers, Azafady staff and local staff
    • Assist the Project coordinator in the organisation of research excursions
    • Any other tasks the Director/ Project Coordinator deems necessary within the broad remit of this role
    • Able to commit for a period of one year

    Qualifications/Experience:
    Personal specification;

    • Demonstrate sound knowledge and keen interest in conservation issues
    • A qualification in a related discipline
    • Specialist knowledge of either primatology, herpetology, botany or environmental education is desirable
    • Able to or willing to learn to safely handle and identify reptiles and amphibians
    • Previous experience living or working in a developing country would be an asset
    • Good IT skills
    • Ability to grasp and carryout instruction in challenging environments and maintain a good sense of humour
    • First aid certificate
    • Working Knowledge of GPS and/or GIS is an advantage
    • A good degree of initiative, motivation and commitment
    • Excellent organisational and time management skills is a must
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills
    • Ability to work under pressure and be flexible and accommodating
    • Ability to work as part of a dynamic and multicultural team
    • Good degree of fitness for working in difficult terrain under tropical conditions
    • Ability to spend long periods of time in basic camping conditions

    Salary/funding:
    Unpaid

    Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
    Food and local transport will be provided whilst on projects. All other costs will need to be covered by the candidate, including accommodation when in town.

    Application Deadline:
    20 July 2012.

    Comments:
    Anyone interested in applying for this position should send a detailed CV and a cover letter explaining how their skills and experience match the requirements in the Job Description to Mark Jacobs, by email or by post.

    Contact Information:
    Mark Jacobs
    Studio 7, 1a Beethoven Street
    London W10 4LG
    United Kingdom

    Telephone Number:
    + 44 (0) 20 8960 6629

    Fax Number:
    + 44 (0) 20 8962 0126

    Website:
    http://www.madagascar.co.uk

    E-mail Address:
    mark@azafady.org

    Full time Live-in volunteer at Exotic Sanctuary Ireland

    Hiring Organization:
    National Exotic Animal Sanctuary


    Position Description:
    Opportunity to gain experience with a wide range of species including exotics, wildlife and equines.

    Morning status check of all animals at the Sanctuary.
    Food prep, feeding, enrichment, cleaning, hygiene, maintenance and building new animal accommodation

    Qualifications/Experience:
    Experience with animals in general

    Experience with exotics and horses an advantage

    Flexible, practical and self-motivated personality. Willing to assist with any situation that arises and work outdoors in all weathers

    Please fill out application on www.neas.ie
    Email info@neas.ie

    References required

    Salary/funding:
    Own funds required for living expenses: self catering, phone, internet (euro20 per month, etc.
    No pocket money given

    Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
    Good mobile home accommodation, heating provided

    Term of Appointment:
    Position open from 1st August 2012 ongoing

    Application Deadline:
    Ongoing

    Comments:
    Suit person wanting to gain hands on experience and day-to-day knowledge of running a busy Sanctuary. Opportunity to learn about Irish wildlife and live in a tranquil but convenient rural setting (7 min drive to nearest village)

    Contact Information:
    Yvonne Smalley
    Coolronan
    Ballivor, none County Meath
    Ireland

    Telephone Number:
    00353866077656

    Fax Number:
    n/a

    Website:
    http://www.neas.ie

    E-mail Address:
    info@neas.ie